A tragic case has emerged from Palm Beach County, Florida, where a family is suing a medical corporation and two doctors for alleged negligence that resulted in severe, life-long injuries to their infant daughter. On January 24, 2025, Billie Jacques Sr. and Shadae Stoner filed a complaint in the 15th Judicial Circuit Court against Kidz Medical Services, Inc., Dr. Penna M. Reddy, and Dr. Feyisola Awonusonu.
The lawsuit centers around the events of February 23, 2023, when the plaintiffs' daughter, W.J., who was born prematurely at West Boca Medical Center, underwent surgery for an umbilical hernia. The plaintiffs allege that during the procedure, complications arose due to difficulties with intubation by the anesthesiologist on duty, Dr. Megan Buck. Despite multiple attempts to secure W.J.'s airway during a critical period labeled as "Code Blue," it is claimed that both Dr. Reddy and Dr. Awonusonu refused to assist with intubation efforts or perform an emergency tracheostomy.
The complaint details how these failures allegedly led to a prolonged lack of oxygen (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy), resulting in permanent neurological damage to W.J., who now requires lifelong medical care. The parents claim that this outcome was preventable had the defendants adhered to hospital policies and protocols for pediatric resuscitation and difficult airway management.
Billie Jacques Sr. and Shadae Stoner accuse Kidz Medical Services of vicarious liability for the actions of its employees under Florida Statute 768.13 regarding reckless disregard in emergency medical services. They argue that the healthcare providers involved failed in their duty of care by not responding appropriately during the medical emergency.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $30 million for bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, medical expenses past and future loss of earnings capacity due to W.J.'s injuries caused by alleged negligence.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys from Somera & Silva LLP based in Boca Raton. The Case ID is: 502025CA000691 XXXAMB Div: AO.